Gardeners and plant enthusiasts interested in landscapes that benefit pollinators and wildlife are invited to “Plants with Purpose,” a Lunch-and-Learn presented by Wellfield Botanic Gardens in partnership with Wild Ones South Bend.

The program will be held Saturday, October 10th, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Regional experts will share practical information about using native plants in home gardens, the wildlife that depends on them, and the importance of protecting native plants in their natural habitats.

The event is free with admission to the gardens. Non-member admission fee is $10, and free for Wellfield Botanic Gardens members.

The presentations will feature members of the team that authored Native Plants for Michiana: Planting with Nature and Beauty in Mind, a full-color guide recently published by Wild Ones South Bend.

Presentation topics include:

• The Right Native Plants for Your Gardens (and Supporting Those Who Eat Them) - Deb Marr, PhD, Professor of Biology, IU South Bend. 
  • Learn how to choose native plants appropriate for your yard and what research shows about how they support insects and other wildlife.
• More Than a Garden: How Native Plant Collections Support Conservation - Kyle Strain, Horticulture Manager, Wellfield Botanic Gardens.
  • Discover how botanical gardens contribute to conservation and help protect regional plant diversity.
• Orchids and More: Native Plants of Our Wildest Habitats - Vince Gresham, Natural Resources Coordinator, Elkhart County Parks and Recreation. 
  • Take a closer look at some of the region’s most interesting native plants and the habitats where they thrive.

Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Participants are also welcome to bring their own lunch or snacks. Participants are invited to explore Wellfield Botanic Gardens following the event.

The book, Native Plants for Michiana: Planting with Nature and Beauty in Mind, will be available for purchase at the event. Created specifically for the Michiana region, the guide features more than 120 native plant profiles, including perennials, grasses, sedges, ferns, shrubs and trees. The book is designed to help gardeners select native plants that are well suited to the region while creating landscapes that provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife.